2 Thessalonians 2:7

Mystery of iniquity. Greek musterion tes anomias. For the significance of musterion, as something hidden, see on Romans 11:25; for anomias, “contempt and violation of law,” “iniquity,” see above on “that man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The title refers to a power that is characterized by lawlessness. The reference to law is particularly significant in view of the attempt to change the law referred to in Daniel 7:25 (see comment there). In the last analysis, this description applies to Satan, the author of lawlessness (TM 365), but the devil has generally camouflaged his personality by working through agents. In the last days he will personally play a more direct role, culminating his deception by personally counterfeiting the coming of Christ (see on 2 Thessalonians 2:4, 9).

Work. Greek energeo (see on Philippians 2:13). Paul is referring to an agency already operating. In Paul’s day the apostasy had begun (see on 2 Thessalonians 2:3). As time passed, that apostasy took the form of papal pretensions, so that, from a modern historical point of view, “the mystery of iniquity” can be identified with the papal power (GC 49-55).

Hence the “man of sin” and “the mystery of iniquity” may be considered as representing the same apostate papal power (GC 356); and behind all human manifestations of iniquity stands Satan himself, who in the end will play a personal role in an effort to lead the whole world captive (see on verses 4, 9).

Only. This word introduces the element that delimits the operation of the mystery of iniquity.

Letteth. Greek katecho (see on v. 6). In Old English “let” meant “to restrain.” Most commentators agree that the Greek construction calls for the addition of an explanatory phrase such as “will restrain,” in order to complete the thought of the sentence. Some believe that the Roman Empire is referred to here as in v. 6; others, that God is the restrainer (see on v. 6).

Taken out of the way. Or, “out of the midst is taken.” Those who hold that the restraining power is the Roman Empire (see above on “letteth”) believe that it is this power that is taken away. Those who hold that God is the restrainer paraphrase the second half of the verse thus: “The Restrainer, God, who holds the evil in check [GC 589, 614], will continue to restrain, until the time comes for the mystery of iniquity to be ‘revealed’ [v. 8] and ‘taken out of the way.’” Such commentators regard this phrase as assuring the believer that, in spite of the operation of the apostate power, it will not continue forever. God will, in His appointed time, bring its activities to an end (see on Matthew 24:21, 22).